Electro-synth pop-dance duo Hyperbubble, staffed by visual artists, by the way, is taking full advantage of the occasion by celebrating the release of its latest CD, “Hyperbubble + Manda Rin” (Pure Pop For Now People). The six-song collaborative EP features the Hyperbubble wife/husband team of Jess and Jeff DeCuir working with visual artist/musician Manda Rin of the Scottish band Bis, the voice of “Powerpuff Girls” animated series.

Though the last Hyperbubble release, “Drastic Cinematic,” was “dark electronics” at the behest of the record label, the bottom line is the DeCuir's music winds up being fun even if some songs are darker than others. With banks of synthesizers and on-stage wardrobes that feature colors not found in nature, Hyperbubble sets up infectious dance grooves and gets as involved in what's going on as any member of the audience.

With Manda Rin, Hyperbubble crafted cool and catchy songs including “Hello Heaven Operator,” “In the Movies” and “Attack of the 3-D Space Kittens.” Even the grumpiest cats will have a good time when Hyperbubble hits the stage.

Also Friday, Viet-Ruse will hit Hi-Tones for a tour kick-off party. The reggae/punk outfit is heading west for a string of dates in Arizona, California and Nevada. The bon voyage bill is set to include Disco Wasteland and Violet Sphinx.

Artslam!

While on the subject of music and visual art, Artslam! is back at it with more than four dozen visual artists working live to a half dozen musicmaking acts. Artslam! will take over White Rabbit, 2410 N. St. Mary's St., Saturday. Doors open at 7 p.m. It's an all-ages event.

Artslam! revisits one of its classic themes with “Return of the Cult Classics.” The visual artists will paint characters from cult films such as “Big Trouble in Little China” and “Attack of the Killer Tomatoes.” The live soundtrack will be supplied by Dark Planes, Bandulus, Lonely Horse, Carly Garza, DJ Louie Dollars and Leopold and His Fiction.

Women with mikes

Though there are notable exceptions, hip-hop, not unlike other genres, is a male-dominated biz. Rest assured there are plenty of women crafting smart, compelling hip-hop. Check it out Sunday at War Room, 2718 N. St. Mary's St.